Page 35 of Exchange of Heart

‘Twenty-eight,’ he yelled.

I walked into the bedroom, hands on hips. ‘What?’

‘Twenty-eight steps and I’ve walked into every room in your apartment. Mine’s bigger.’

I glanced below my waist, then joined his gaze with a smirk. ‘Yes. It is. Impressively so.’

The pinkening of his cheeks sent a river of satisfaction streaming through my body.

‘Seriously, can we pack and go to mine? I’ve got more space, a spare room, plus there’s a pool.’ He grimaced for a moment then continued, ‘Lucky can come, too.’

‘Well, you only needed to mention the pool.’

I pulled my suitcase from under my bed and flung clothes into it from my cupboard. I stared at my favourite white dress, then hung the hanger back on the rail. That oaf couldn’t be trusted with that gorgeous silk masterpiece. Instead, I pulled out a bright sunflower dress near the back and added it to the suitcase. Its bright cheer may not get to hug my body, but I hoped its visual effect would be equally inspiring. Corey grabbed the few items that landed on the floor, then followed me into the bathroom.

‘I won’t be using half that stuff.’ He pointed into my now half-empty cabinet.

‘Yes, you will, because for some reason women without makeup are treated like they’re either dying or incompetent.’

‘Oh, please,’ Corey scoffed.

‘Ever told a lady she looks tired over a pale face?’

‘Well, yeah. Being pale is a sign of tiredness.’

I waited for him to link the pieces together. When his hand finally flew to his face, I knew he’d connected the dots.

‘Men,’ I muttered.

I’d unpacked my things into Corey’s spare room and started rifling through the suits in his wardrobe when someone rapped on the front door.

‘Corey, can you get that?’

The shower started and I realised that no, Corey couldn’t get that. I opened the door to a guy in a black polo holding a small planter of shrubbery.

‘Corey Flemmington?’ the guy asked.

‘Yeah, this is his place.’ I scowled at the gift some girl had sent him.

I signed for the delivery and placed the gorgeous native shrubs on the dining table. The shower was still trickling, so I changed into one of Corey’s expensive deep-grey suits, then sat on a dining chair in front of the romantic gesture. By the time he joined me in one of my favourite baby-blue dresses, I’d imagined enough scenarios to last my brain a lifetime. A girl he’d ‘forgotten’ to call after a night out. A girl he’d forgotten to mention he was seeing. A girl he—

‘You ready to…’ His voice trailed off as his gaze landed on the dining table. ‘You bought me greenery?’

‘No. Some guy delivered them while you were in the shower.’

‘Oh, ah, do they say who they’re from?’ His eyes shifted around the room.

Corey Flemmington was embarrassed. Who would have thought?

‘No, and I’m sure it could be any number of girls.’ I rolled my eyes.

He didn’t respond, and I was in no mood to press him for more information. He can enjoy as many gestures as he likes, but he’s going to have to wait until he gets his body back before he can do anything about it.

‘Look, if I’m going to stay here, we should get to know each other a little more,’ I begrudgingly suggested. I was pretty sure I knew as much as needed.

Corey’s face scrunched as though I’d suggested we staple our eyelids together. He slumped his shoulders and nodded. ‘Fine, I need breakfast. We can go to the café down the road.’

Ten minutes later, he exited the bathroom with his hair tied back and a face of makeup he’d attempted with the skill of a toddler. I opened my mouth to offer help, then decided my reputation could take the small hit if it meant he spent the day walking around like a clown.